The Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 111th annual Strawberry Festival, originally scheduled for July 17 to 19, will be postponed until a later date next year.

The decision to cancel the longstanding event was the result of discussions with island residents and businesses, according to a press release.

“This was done with careful consideration for the health and safety of our community,” wrote Cheryl Lubbert, president of the chamber of commerce in the press release. “So much of the Strawberry Festival is about people coming together. It’s been difficult to figure out how to do that responsibly during a time of social distancing.”

Lubbert continued that the chamber is proud of the annual festival. Last year’s event drew more than 30,000 attendees and hosted 159 vendor booths, according to the chamber, raising more than $60,000 for local nonprofits while partnering with island eateries and organizations, including the Vashon Island Farmers Market and the Vashon Theatre.

The chamber is in the process of contacting vendors and partner organizations about the festival’s postponement. Participants who have already paid registration fees will have the option to receive a full refund or simply apply them to the 2021 Strawberry Festival.

“We’re looking into ways that on-island residents can still come together, support each other, and have something to look forward to during this difficult time. We already have a few ideas, so stay tuned,” Lubbert said. “We want our community not only to survive but to thrive, and the only way we do that is together.”

More information is available at vashonchamber.com/strawberryfestival/.